Viral messages have been circulating on social media claiming that water from the Vaal Dam has been poisoned, allegedly by individuals attempting to contaminate the area’s primary water supply.
Story Summary:
- Viral messages warned of supposed poisoning in the Vaal Dam.
- Rand Water confirmed its water is safe and adheres to strict standards.
- The public is urged to ignore and avoid spreading such unverified claims.
Rand Water reacts to ‘poisoned’ Vaal water claims
The chain messages, which have spread rapidly on platforms like WhatsApp, claim that residents should avoid drinking or cooking with tap water due to a supposed poisoning incident involving “Indians pouring poison” into the dam.
These claims have sparked widespread concern and have led to calls for residents to only use bottled water.
Rand Water, the utility responsible for providing water to much of Gauteng, including the Vaal area, has responded to these claims with a firm denial, assuring the public that the water is safe.
In an official statement, Rand Water clarified that the messages and voice notes circulating are entirely false.
“Rand Water has noted voice notes that are circulating on social media platforms alleging that water in the Vaal area has been poisoned,” the utility stated.
Rand Water urged residents to disregard these messages and refrain from sharing them further, describing them as misinformation that only serves to “cause unnecessary panic and confusion.”
Rand Water highlighted its rigorous safety processes, explaining that all water distributed to municipalities and residents undergoes a strict purification and testing process to ensure it is safe for consumption.
According to the utility, the water it supplies meets the South African National Standard (SANS) 241, a guideline that ensures water is free of contaminants and safe for drinking.
Rand Water further made it clear:
“We take pride in providing high-quality drinking water that consistently exceeds the SANS 241.
The organisation has called on the public to avoid sharing unverified claims, particularly on social media.
